Image: Marc Torfs, Pixabay
His mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22; NLT).
1. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By turning from my selfish ways,
And taking up my cross.
2. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By spreading patience, joy, and love,
Whilst welcoming each loss.
3. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By thanking you for all you send,
And praying without cease.
4. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By seeing you in everyone,
And living in your peace.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past
(Isaiah 43:18; NIV).
References
1. Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23; NLT).
2. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).
The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21; NLT).
Always rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).
I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake (2 Corinthians 12:10; NLT).
3. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).
4. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18; NLT).
Happy Birthday Ruth – have a Blessed day! x
Thank you so much, Lesley. Hearing from you has made my day! May God bless you all XXXXXX
I’m glad, Ruth! God bless you and yours too. xx
A pertinent post (as always) for me today. I lost my temper while out shopping this morning and had to immediately repent of it. These antagonisms come along when you are trying to be a good witness so the enemy can accuse you. But as you have said well today, I simply had to “start afresh.” Praise God for His compassion and grace. Bless you today Ruth, my precious sister.
Oh, I’m so sorry you’ve had a horrible morning, Alan, but very glad this little prayer proved useful. Just keep on starting again, and we will meet in heaven XXXXXX
You certainly fill a unique niche with your poetry, Ruth. It’s also great to read the scriptures that inspired each stanza. The part about welcoming loss and seeing God in everyone spoke to me the most. I’m glad I found you blog; it was thanks to my brother in Christ, Alan— AKA the Holy Treasure Hunter. Blessings.
What a lovely, encouraging message, David – thank you so much. May God bless you every day xxxxx